Soccer: New great Whites hope

A year and a bit on and half a world away, the All Whites finally shrugged off bitter Oceania Nations Cup memories with a spirited, if losing, display against the highly-touted Australians in London yesterday.

In holding the Confederations Cup-bound Socceroos to just one late goal at Fulham's Craven Cottage, the new-look national side displayed a determined, refreshing approach which gave real optimism that better is to come.

The relatively unknown All Whites, playing under new, innovative coach Ricki Herbert and hit hard by the withdrawal of six first-choice players, rarely flagged - and had a couple of half-chances which could have embarrassed Australia coach Frank Farina's much-hyped side.

" New Zealand made it very difficult for us," Farina said. "It's the sort of game you need to get the cobwebs out.

"For anyone who has ever seen Australia v New Zealand matches, they know it's never going to be a friendly. That was evident from the first tackle.

"It was good to have the physical aspect of the game out there.

"That was one of the reasons why we played New Zealand because, in some friendlies, nobody wants to touch each other."

With hosts Germany as their next opponent - in the opening Cup match in Frankfurt on Thursday - the Australians would have wanted more from the match but were denied by a never-give-in New Zealand effort.

Egos and off-field issues which have been all-too-evident in the past gave way to a determined, fighting brand of football.

Under pressure early as nerves obviously jangled, the All Whites slowly played themselves into the game. Uncertain starts by goalkeeper Mark Paston and makeshift right back Steven Old gave way to accomplished efforts which kept the Australians at bay for all but the last five minutes.

Led by strong games from mercurial newcomer Adrian Webster, midfield workhorse David Mulligan and born-again international (and captain) Danny Hay, the All Whites ran themselves virtually to a standstill. The first chance fell to the Australians in the 11th minute when Josip Skoko tested Paston with a freekick which was just over the crossbar.

A Webster freekick which failed to reach Hay gave New Zealand their first chance and, minutes later, Che Bunce could not find enough power in his header - from another Webster dead ball - to test goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer.

Tim Cahill went close for the Australians but his header, from a Scott Chipperfield cross, was cleared by Bunce.

New Zealand's best chance fell to Brent Fisher. Playing deeper than normal, he ran on to a good ball but fired his left-foot shot wide.

The second half was more of the same - but with the New Zealand players growing in confidence and forcing their multi-million-dollar opponents into little more than hopeful long-range efforts.

In the 64th minute Webster gathered and ran at the defence but shot just wide. Eight minutes later, substitute goalkeeper Zeljko Kalac needed all his skill to deny the All Whites.

Mulligan sent a free-kick deep. The ball was played on to Bunce, who gathered and snapped a left-foot shot which Kalac did well to push clear.

The deadlock was eventually broken four minutes from time.

After Tim Cahill and Scott Chipperfield combined to open the way, substitute Simon Colosimo's strike flew low and wide to Paston's left and into the net.

Herbert was delighted with his team's effort.

"There were times, especially in the first half when we gave the ball away a little cheaply," Herbert said. "But, overall we have to be happy with what we achieved.

"We [the coaching staff] could not have asked for more. They gave us everything. The four or five days I have had to work with these players have been great.

"They have worked so hard. To be around these guys has been an absolute privilege."

While acknowledging there were shortcomings - as understandable as they were given the late withdrawal of key players and the 368 days since the team last played - Herbert is confident the corner has been turned.

"Players like Adrian Webster, David Mulligan, Danny Hay and Vaughan Coveny were outstanding. But there was not one player who did not give everything.

"Adrian Webster has been a breath of fresh air.

"He was almost apologetic in asking if he could leave just minutes after the game. But, as he was to be married less than 24 hours later, he had no reason to ask.

"I'm sure we haven't seen the last of him. His enthusiasm rubbed off on the other players and they, I'm sure, responded."

Assistant coach Brian Turner, also in his first contact at this level, said, simply: "I'm pleased and proud. The players took on board everything we gave them. The tactics we came up with were spot-on because the players did all we asked of them.

"We have no excuses. We will take it on the chin and move on. But I'm sure we have something really positive to work with."

THE TEAMS

All Whites: Mark Paston, Steven Old, Danny Hay, Che Bunce, Michael Wilson (Jeremy Christie, 73m), Brent Fisher, David Mulligan, Tim Brown, Noah Hickey, Vaughan Coveny (Shane Smeltz, 87m), Adrian Webster (Leo Bertos, 83m).

Socceroos: Mark Schwarzer (Zeljko Kalac, 45m), Kevin Muscat, Craig Moore (Ljubo Milicevic, 77m), Tony Popovic, Jon McKain, Tim Cahill, Josip Skoko (Simon Colosimo, 64m), Brett Emerton (Ahmad Elrich, 74m), Mile Sterjovski (Archie Thompson, 64m), Scott Chipperfield, Lucas Neill.